Role of faith healers in the treatment of severe mental illness in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20233778Keywords:
Faith healer, Severe mental Illness, Psychiatric care, Traditional healerAbstract
Background: The cultural diversity has influenced the beliefs of people regarding health and illness. An aim of the study was to assess the role of faith healers in the treatment of severe mental illness.
Methods: It is a retrospective cross-sectional study with convenience sampling technique was used, on 123 caregivers of patients with severe mental illnesses using standardized tools like MINI, BPRS, and YMRS.
Results: 41.5% participants firstly contacted faith healer while 86% visited faith healer anytime during the course of illness. 47.2% took treatment from faith healer for <6 months, 21.1% took 6-12 months and 17.9% more than 13 months. 22.8% circulated between faith healer to faith healer, 18.7% from psychiatrist to faith healer and 27.6% from medical professional to faith healer.
Conclusions: There is an immense need to create awareness regarding mental illness and treatment options available.
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References
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